NNew Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been harassed in her car by anti-vaccination activists. A video that has been circulating online for a few days shows the incident that is said to have occurred in the town of Paihia in the Northland region of New Zealand’s North Island. A silver van can be seen on it, in which Ardern is apparently sitting. The video is filmed from the perspective of the anti-vaccination opponents, who drive their car towards the Prime Minister’s van, which then has to move onto the sidewalk. “Shame on you!” screams a woman’s voice. And a little later, when the car starts chasing the van: “There’s Jacinda. She’s hiding in the back of the van.” In between, there’s a lot of laughter and various swear words. “Oh, that’s fun! We’re on the hunt!” a voice also says.
The prime minister reacted calmly on Wednesday when journalists addressed her during a press conference about the incident. She didn’t give it much thought, Ardern said. In her job she makes new and different experiences every day. “It was just another day,” she said, smiling. “But at no time was I concerned about my safety or the safety of those who were with me.” Because of the corona pandemic, you are currently in an environment that brings with it an intensity that is unusual for New Zealand. “I believe that this time will pass.” If people do not agree with the political decisions, then of course it is the decision-makers themselves who get the feedback. “But that’s not unusual,” Ardern said.
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After New Zealand had largely suppressed the virus for many months, the country is now struggling with a sharp increase in infections in the wake of the omicron wave. Just a few days ago, Ardern announced that the corona measures would be tightened. She also confirmed the postponement of her wedding to TV presenter Clarke Gayford, which was planned for the next few weeks.
In New Zealand, incidents in which politicians have been harassed and even attacked have increased in recent months. As Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern is particularly affected. According to New Zealand press reports, she was attending an event in the town of Waitangi on the day of the incident. On the fringes of the event, opponents of vaccination protested against their corona policy.